Tennis Elbow Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE FOR TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow can make even the simplest everyday tasks uncomfortable. Lifting a kettle, opening a jar, shaking hands, or carrying shopping bags can all become painful when the outside of your elbow is sore.

Despite its name, you don't need to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. Many people who visit me have never picked up a tennis racket. Repeated movements at work, gardening, DIY projects, sports, or everyday activities often lead to this common issue known as lateral elbow tendinopathy.

At LB Acupuncture, I take the time to understand not only where your pain is located but how it's affecting your daily life. Every acupuncture treatment for pain relief is tailored to your individual needs, helping us develop an approach that suits you.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It usually develops gradually as these tendons become overloaded through repeated use.

The pain may remain around the elbow or radiate down the forearm towards the wrist, making everyday activities more difficult.

Many individuals find that the condition progresses over several weeks or months instead of stemming from a single injury.

Though commonly referred to as tennis elbow, the condition can just as likely affect those who use their hands repetitively at work, enjoy gardening, engage in DIY tasks, and participate in weight training or spend long hours using a computer.

Common symptoms of tennis elbow

Symptoms may include:

- Pain on the outside of the elbow

- Pain when gripping or lifting objects

- Weakness when holding items

- Pain that radiates into the forearm

- Difficulty opening jars or turning door handles

- Discomfort when shaking hands or using tools

While symptoms often appear similar, everyone's experience with lateral elbow tendinopathy is different, which is why I always take the time to understand your individual situation.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view tennis elbow?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tennis elbow is not merely viewed as a tendon issue. Pain may develop for various reasons based on the individual. For some, it may relate to Qi and Blood stagnation due to overuse or repetitive strain. For others, longer-term patterns of deficiency or external factors such as Wind, Cold, or Damp may contribute to ongoing discomfort.

During your consultation, I'll assess your overall health, lifestyle, and symptoms to understand your unique pattern before customizing your treatment.

Can acupuncture help tennis elbow?

Many individuals choose acupuncture as part of their strategy for managing tennis elbow. Research indicates that acupuncture for pain relief may help lessen discomfort and enhance function for some people, although results can vary.

For some patients experiencing persistent musculoskeletal pain, I may also recommend electroacupuncture as a component of their treatment. This method combines acupuncture with gentle electrical stimulation and may be suitable depending on your individual needs.

Treatment is always personalized and can be utilized alongside exercises, physiotherapy, or other recommendations from your healthcare provider.

What happens during your first appointment?

Your first appointment lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes.

We will discuss:

- When your elbow pain began

- What activities exacerbate it

- Your work and hobbies

- Previous injuries or treatments

- Your general health and lifestyle

Following our consultation, you'll receive your first acupuncture treatment using sterile, single-use needles.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required varies based on how long you've had your symptoms, their severity, and your response to treatment.

Some individuals notice improvements after just a few sessions, while longer-standing tennis elbow may require a more extended treatment course. We'll review your progress together and discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Lisa's Advice

Many people attempt to power through tennis elbow, but continuing the same repetitive movements without allowing the tendon time to heal can sometimes worsen symptoms. Small adjustments to how you perform everyday tasks, along with appropriate exercises and treatment, can often help reduce the strain on the tendon.

If your elbow pain follows a significant injury, prevents you from moving your elbow, or if you notice severe swelling, deformity, or numbness in your hand or arm, it's crucial to seek prompt medical advice.

Why choose LB Acupuncture?

I understand how frustrating tennis elbow can be, especially when it interferes with your work, hobbies, or daily activities.

At LB Acupuncture, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms in detail without feeling rushed. I aim to provide a calm, supportive atmosphere where we collaboratively explore what's contributing to your pain and develop a tailored treatment plan that fits your individual needs.

My clinic is located in Melbourne, Derbyshire, and I am pleased to welcome patients from Derby, Castle Donington, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote, Burton upon Trent, and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and most people experience very little discomfort. Many patients find the treatment relaxing.

Can I continue exercising?

In many instances, yes. However, you may need to modify certain activities while your elbow recovers. We'll discuss your work, hobbies, and exercise routine during your consultation and provide advice on what may be right for you.

How long does tennis elbow last?

Recovery times vary among individuals. Some see improvement within a few months, while others may experience symptoms for a longer duration. During your consultation, we'll take an in-depth look at your symptoms and the appropriate treatment options.

Tennis Elbow Acupuncture

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